Little Rock, Ark. (October 19, 2017) ---LeTisha Stacey, Digital Librarian/Archivist at Philander Smith College’s Donald W. Reynolds Library and Technology Center, is among twenty-four library professionals from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) selected to attend the 2017 Digital Library Federation (DLF) Forum and DLF Liberal Arts/HBCUs Preconference. The opportunity – which includes a stipend and free registration to the annual DLF Forum – is a result of a grant of fellowship funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and takes place on October 23-25.

“The HBCU Library Alliance is pleased to partner with the Digital Library Federation and is appreciative of IMLS funding for the conference,” says HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Sandra Phoenix. She continues, “The fellowship winners will add unique perspectives and a wealth of shared experiences to these very important discussions. As voices of advocacy for HBCU institutions with strong traditions of mentoring, these fellows can offer ‘first-hand’ experiences of the value of digital libraries, their collections and imprint on scholarship, American history and culture.”

DLF Director Bethany Nowviskie agrees, “Collaborating with the HBCU Library Alliance has been an honor and a delight, and we’re grateful to IMLS for helping us welcome these two dozen outstanding fellowship winners to Pittsburgh. Their perspectives will greatly enrich conversations there.” She adds, “It’s the perfect time for a program like this. It has never been more important for digital libraries to challenge white supremacy by reflecting Black experiences, imagining more liberated futures, and asserting the value of Black lives.”

The DLF Forum Preconference, scheduled for October 22 in Pittsburgh, will focus on digital libraries and library-based teaching as a common mission and common ground between liberal arts colleges or programs and HBCUs. The keynote speaker, Loretta Parham, directs Atlanta University Center’s Woodruff Library, which serves a consortium of Atlanta-area HBCUs.

Stacey, who holds a master's degree in library and information science, has been on staff at PSC since January 2016. She joins other librarians/archivists selected from other HBCUs, as well as staff with HBCU backgrounds who work in libraries or museums at other institutions, in being named to receive the highly-sought fellowship.

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Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is one of the oldest private, historically Black institutions of higher learning in Arkansas. A four-year liberal arts college, the institution is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is the only United Negro College Fund member school in the state. Philander Smith College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of NCA.

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